Malaysia has anti-gay laws and recently, a music festival got shut down because a British band, The 1975, violated those laws. The leader of the band, Matty Healy, kissed a bandmate who was male.
This went against Malaysia’s strict laws on homosexuality, as it’s a crime that can get you at least 20+ years in prison. The government board members found this extremely rude and disrespectful and canceled the music festival early as it was supposed to last till the end of the week.
In a speech during the band’s set, Healey criticized the government’s position on homosexuality, then proceeded to kiss Ross MacDonald, the band’s bass player. The kiss received a ton of hate from the band’s Muslim community as well as Malaysia as a whole.
This wasn’t Healey’s first incident as he kissed a male fan at a concert in 2019. This was an extremely dangerous risk and as a result, The 1975 was banned from performing in Malaysia again.
“There will be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles or violates Malaysian laws,” says Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Showing that although opinions are welcome, anyone who breaks Malaysia’s laws will have consequences.
This went against Malaysia’s strict laws on homosexuality, as it’s a crime that can get you at least 20+ years in prison. The government board members found this extremely rude and disrespectful and canceled the music festival early as it was supposed to last till the end of the week.
In a speech during the band’s set, Healey criticized the government’s position on homosexuality, then proceeded to kiss Ross MacDonald, the band’s bass player. The kiss received a ton of hate from the band’s Muslim community as well as Malaysia as a whole.
This wasn’t Healey’s first incident as he kissed a male fan at a concert in 2019. This was an extremely dangerous risk and as a result, The 1975 was banned from performing in Malaysia again.
“There will be no compromise with any party that challenges, belittles or violates Malaysian laws,” says Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Showing that although opinions are welcome, anyone who breaks Malaysia’s laws will have consequences.